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Lionel Messi, Argentina’s World Cup-winning great, retires from international football: ‘Decision that hurts to my core’
Lionel Messi confirmed his decision in an emotional social media post, more than a month after leading Argentina to a second successive FIFA World Cup final
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Argentina football legend Lionel Messi on Monday announced his retirement from international football, bringing down the curtain on a remarkable 21-year career with La Albiceleste.
The 39-year-old confirmed his decision in a lengthy and emotional statement on social media, more than a month after leading Argentina to a second successive FIFA World Cup final. Messi said he had given everything he could to the national team, not just in the years when Argentina won two Copa América titles and the 2022 World Cup, but throughout his international career, and understood that the time had come to step away.
“After the time that has passed since the final, and after giving it a lot of thought, I want to let everyone know that I am retiring from the National Team...
“It was a decision that hurt — and still hurts deep down — but I understand that the time has come. I swear to you that I always gave it my all — not just in these last few years when we won everything, but before that too; I always fought and left everything on the field for this jersey, to bring you joy and make you feel proud to be Argentine through football,” he wrote on Instagram.
The decision marks the end of one of the greatest international careers in football history, but Messi also pointed to the emergence of the next generation, who he believes deserve their opportunity.
“Time is running short, chapters come to a close, and this is one that hurts me deeply. I love, have loved, and will always love being part of the National Team. I’ve given everything I had; I have nothing left to give, and besides, there are some great young players coming up who deserve to be here,” he added.
At the bottom of his social media post, Messi revealed that he had written the retirement statement on July 21, two days after Argentina’s defeat to Spain in the FIFA World Cup final in New York. However, he said the recent death of his father, Jorge Messi, made him even more certain about the decision. Jorge died on August 8, aged 68.
“I wrote these words on July 21st, two days after the final. Today, after what happened with my dad, I am even more convinced than before,” he wrote.
Messi made his Argentina debut in 2005 and went on to become the nation’s most prolific goalscorer, with 125 goals in more than 200 appearances. He also played at six World Cups and remains the only player to win the Golden Ball twice, in 2014 and 2022. He featured in three World Cup finals, winning the 2022 edition in Qatar.
Despite the disappointment of the 2026 final, Messi said he leaves the national team with pride and peace of mind, having experienced moments he once only dreamed of.
“Now I’ll be just one of you, cheering and supporting from the outside,” he wrote.
He thanked his family, coaches, teammates and officials, while reserving his final words for the country he represented for more than two decades.
“Thank you, God, for making me Argentine.”
“Let’s go, Argentina!”
